Macedonian Kingdom. Philip II. Silver Tetradrachm (14.50 g), 359-336 BC. Pella, ca. 348/7-342/2 BC. Lifetime issue. Laureate head of Zeus right. Reverse: ΦIΛIΠΠOY, youth on horseback right, jockey holding palm branch. Le Rider Plate 7 166b (O-102, R-136). A masterpiece of Philip II! Boldly struck in high relief, and of exceptionally fine style. Lightly toned. NGC AU*, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5 Fine Style. The realistic portrait of Philip II is absolutely amazing. Another masterpiece of Greek finest style portraiture. Superb Extremely Fine. Estimated Value $10,000 - UP
The tetradrachms of Philip II circulated in Macedonia as well as beyond the borders of the kingdom, particularly to the north, where they were popular with a variety of Thracian, Dacian and Celtic peoples. They inspired numerous Celtic and other imitative issues and were often the preferred coinage of mercenaries outside of the Macedonian kingdom. Due to their wide circulation and special popularity in some regions, the tetradrachms of Philip II continued in production long after Philip, and even his son Alexander the Great, were dead.
Ex Sotheby's (December 1994), 16 Ex The Century Collection.